ὥστε
hṓste
G5620 subordinating conjunction
SILEX Entry
Definition
Primary sense: so that, with the result that, introducing a consequence or result arising from a previous statement. In its core usage, ὥστε functions as a marker of result or consequence, forming a bridge between an action or fact and what follows as its natural outcome. The word can introduce a clause indicating what occurred due to a previously stated action (result), or in some cases, what is intended or expected to occur (purpose). When followed by the indicative, it typically states an actual result; with the infinitive, it expresses either result (more general, sometimes expected rather than actual) or purpose (rarely and in certain idiomatic contexts). It can also occur elliptically, introducing a result clause without a verb, especially in summary or explanatory phrases.
Semantic Range
so that, in order that, with the result that, therefore, consequently, hence; introducing actual result (with indicative), general or intended result (with infinitive), elliptical result clauses (without verb)
Root / Etymology
Composed of the adverb ὡς ('as, thus') and the enclitic particle τε ('and, so'). The formation expresses consequential connection—'so as, with the result that.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ὥστε regularly introduces result clauses (actual or potential). In the Hellenistic period, including Koine Greek, its use becomes more frequent and often overlaps with expressions of purpose, especially when followed by the infinitive. In the Septuagint, ὥστε regularly renders Hebrew particles indicating result or consequence, often mirroring Semitic patterns of coordination. In the New Testament, ὥστε is prevalent in argumentative or explanatory contexts, marking the inference from prior statements (e.g., Matthew 8:24; Galatians 2:13). Standard English translations such as 'so that,' 'therefore,' or 'as a result' can capture most, but not all, of its range: at times, 'insomuch that' or 'with the consequence that' better reflect its connective force. English does not always convey the grammatical distinction between finite and infinitival result clauses, which in Greek can signal whether the result is actual (indicative) or potential/intended (infinitive).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ὡς and τέ; so too, i.e. thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow):--(insomuch) as, so that (then), (insomuch) that, therefore, to, wherefore.
Root Family
ὥστε (hōste) — so as, with the result that, consequently
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5620-01 |
ὥστε | oste | CONJ.S |
so that | so that | 84 |
Occurrences in Scripture
84 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5620-01 |
Matthew 8:24 | ὥστε | oste | CONJ.S |
so that | |
G5620-01 |
Matthew 8:28 | ὥστε | oste | CONJ.S |
so that | |
G5620-01 |
Matthew 10:1 | ὥστε | oste | CONJ.S |
so that | |
G5620-01 |
Matthew 12:12 | ὥστε | oste | CONJ.S |
so that | |
G5620-01 |
Matthew 12:22 | ὥστε | oste | CONJ.S |
so that | |
G5620-01 |
Matthew 13:2 | ὥστε | oste | CONJ.S |
so that | |
G5620-01 |
Matthew 13:32 | ὥστε | oste | CONJ.S |
so that | |
G5620-01 |
Matthew 13:54 | ὥστε | oste | CONJ.S |
so that | |
G5620-01 |
Matthew 15:31 | ὥστε | oste | CONJ.S |
so that | |
G5620-01 |
Matthew 15:33 | ὥστε | oste | CONJ.S |
so that |